RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide

Taryell Simmons
  • 5.0 (19)
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RISE Urban Nation is more than a podcast—it’s a cultural media platform dedicated to amplifying Black and Pan-African voices across the diaspora. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, the show brings together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success in real time. At its core, RISE Urban Nation exists to unite our untold stories, uplift voices that have too often been overlooked or erased, and ignite ideas and communities into action. Through powerful storytelling and real conversations, we are not just sharing stories—we are reclaiming narrative power and preserving Black history as it’s being made. Born from a mission to close the visibility gap in mainstream media, this platform creates space for those building, leading, and creating impact—often without the recognition they deserve. Each episode offers both inspiration and insight, blending lived experience with practical strategies to help listeners amplify their voice, grow their influence, and turn their story into opportunity. From San Diego to cities across the globe, RISE Urban Nation connects the diaspora through stories that remind us: representation is not just about being seen—it’s about being valued, respected, and heard. If you’re ready to turn your voice into impact, your story into visibility, and your purpose into action—this is your platform. Unite. Uplift. Ignite.

  1. Relentless Excellence: Phillip Hogan on Marketing, Mastery & Building a Legacy That Lasts

    MAY 19

    Relentless Excellence: Phillip Hogan on Marketing, Mastery & Building a Legacy That Lasts

    Phillip Hogan, CEO of Signing Services of America and author of Relentless Excellence, returns to RISE Urban Nation to share powerful insights on building a marketing strategy that drives real connection and results. This episode explores entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, and how to turn life’s toughest challenges into a foundation for lasting success.     Resources & Mentions 🌐 Website: https://www.philliphogan.com 📘 Book: Relentless Excellence 🎙️ Podcast: Closing Market Weekly   Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Phillip Hogan Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    1h 23m
  2. Raising Our Kings: How Anya Owensbrown Turned Fear Into a Movement

    MAY 5

    Raising Our Kings: How Anya Owensbrown Turned Fear Into a Movement

    OUR KINGS was born from grief, fear, and love — and grew into a movement. In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, Anya Owensbrown shares the powerful story behind OUR KINGS, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the brilliance of Black boys and supporting the families raising them. From Mommy & King to Kings to Kings, this conversation explores community, belonging, identity, and what it truly means to raise Kings in today’s world. Anya bio:  I’m Anya Owensbrown — an early childhood educator, a mom of five, and the founder of OUR KINGS. This work started from something real: looking at my own sons and realizing the world didn’t always see them the way I do. I noticed there was a gap — no one was pouring into our boys early, during those critical years from birth to 13. So I created OUR KINGS. We celebrate, support, and uplift Black boys from the beginning. We build a village around them — one that shows them they’re worthy of joy, protection, and a strong foundation. We do this by partnering with schools and community organizations, running in-school programs, and offering yearly membership options that keep our boys connected, engaged, and growing, building a strong brotherhood and an united village. And when we say KINGS, we mean it: Kind, Intelligent, Noble, Gifted Sons of Queens and Kings. THAT’S WHO THEY ARE— and that’s how we treat them. Because I’m a mother, I understand how important it is to have a village, so we have created a just that by supporting families by giving them the tools and knowledge to advocate for their sons — especially when navigating health care, the education system, or the justice system. Because strong boys need strong support, and no parent should have to figure it out alone. This isn’t just a nonprofit — it’s a movement grounded in love and built for real impact. We start young, stay consistent, and never let them forget how powerful they are. That Black boy joy is real and they deserve every bit of it Media:  Website: Ourkings.org  Instagram: ourkingsanonprofit  TikTok: ourkingsanonprofit  Facebook: OUR KINGS  email: anya@ourkings.org (inquiries sponsorships ) Info@ourkings.org ( volunteer, collaborations, partnership opportunities)  BBJOY to 53555 to donate    Resources & Links: 🌐 Website: https://ourkings.org 📧 Contact: anya@ourkings.org Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Anya Owensbrown Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation   🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    51 min
  3. Black Bliss & Building Beyond the Classroom: R. Preston Clark on Storytelling, Mentorship & Narrative Power

    APR 21

    Black Bliss & Building Beyond the Classroom: R. Preston Clark on Storytelling, Mentorship & Narrative Power

    How do you create a career in education beyond institutional walls? R. Preston Clark joins RISE Urban Nation to discuss his book Black Bliss Volume 1, the emotional complexity of Black male storytelling, and how creators can use social media and podcasting to control their narrative. This conversation explores mentorship, literature, identity, and building platforms that shape culture. Resources & Mentions: 📘 Get the book:Black Bliss Volume 1 👉 rprestonclark.com 📚 Club FBS — Book Club & Mentorship for Black Males Episode Contributors: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: R. Preston Clark Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    1h 6m
  4. Beyond Survival Mode: Leading with Care Through Job Loss, Uncertainty & Change

    APR 13

    Beyond Survival Mode: Leading with Care Through Job Loss, Uncertainty & Change

    About Jessica: Jessica Smith is a distinguished human resources leader with over 13 years of experience, as an expert voice for your upcoming stories on the current job market.  Jessica's extensive background in HR innovation, particularly in the tech industry with companies like Amazon, AWS, and Meta, positions her uniquely to discuss the intersection of stress, job uncertainty, and the evolving workplace. Her role as the Director of Global Diversity and People Experiences at Meta has equipped her with the insights needed to navigate and address stress-related challenges in diverse work environments. With a bilingual International MBA from IESE Business School and a BS in finance from Hampton University, Jessica offers a global perspective on how organizations can implement strategies to mitigate stress and foster resilience among employees. Her experience across major U.S. and European cities further enriches her understanding of diverse workplace cultures and stress management practices. Resources & Mentions: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesssmithm Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Jessica Smith Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    45 min
  5. From Athlete to Author: How Angela Lewis Uses Sports, Storytelling & Leadership to Transform Lives

    MAR 31

    From Athlete to Author: How Angela Lewis Uses Sports, Storytelling & Leadership to Transform Lives

    In this inspiring episode of RISE Urban Nation, former professional athlete, author, and global youth coach Angela Lewis shares how sports became a powerful vehicle for healing, leadership, and personal growth. Angela breaks down her impactful V6 framework, the importance of representation in children’s books, and why using your voice is essential to creating change. Angela also shares exciting news about her latest children’s book, A Ball and A Chance — a story inspired by her journey through basketball and travel, written to empower young readers who may feel different and remind them that confidence and courage can open doors. Listeners can grab a copy here: 👉 https://angelarlewis.com/store/pre-order-a-ball-and-a-chance Signed copies are also available upon request. In addition, 10% of proceeds support a nonprofit each month, making every purchase part of a larger impact. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, coaches, parents, and young leaders looking to build confidence, purpose, and lasting change.   Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Angela Lewis Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation Media 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    33 min
  6. Trapped in Their Script: Agatha Peters on Healing, Growth, and Rewriting Your Story

    MAR 10

    Trapped in Their Script: Agatha Peters on Healing, Growth, and Rewriting Your Story

    BIO: A Nigerian-American psychotherapist, Agatha Peters is the founder of Beautiful Sunshine Therapy and the author of Trapped in Their Script: Reclaim Your Life from Narcissistic Parents & Cultural Expectations. She is dedicated to helping adult children of narcissistic parents, especially those from collectivist cultures, where family loyalty often overshadows individual well-being. Having experienced the healing power of therapy herself, she is passionate about helping others discover the same transformation and offers guidance on embracing one’s identity while respecting cultural ties. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Website: https://beautifulsunshinetherapy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agatha-peters-6209659a Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19AW9BHBNM/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifulsunshinetherapy?igsh=amR0dGhkbXVtbWQ1&utm_source=qr   Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Agatha Peters Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    54 min

  7. FEB 17

    Our Stories Over hiStories: Alabama, Ancestral Alignment & The Fire Horse Pivot

    Alabama Changed Something. In this solo reflection, Taryell shares how visiting Alabama — walking through civil rights landmarks and standing in ancestral spaces — clarified the next chapter of RISE Urban Nation.   This episode explores: Why storytelling is not entertainment — it’s resistanceHow systems change when communities reclaim narrative powerThe cultural significance of aligning with the Lunar New YearThe transition from the Year of the Snake (shedding) to the Year of the Fire Horse (bold forward movement)Why Season Five intentionally ended at the New YearThe five-year anniversary evolution of RISE Urban NationThe launch of a new message for 2026: Our Stories Over hiStories  In a time when Black voices are being stripped from textbooks, monuments, and mainstream media, this episode reaffirms podcasting as modern-day griot work — oral tradition at scale.   🔥 What’s Coming in 2026 RISE Urban Nation will expand beyond interviews to help entrepreneurs and leaders: Get featured on aligned podcasts that amplify their missionLaunch their own podcasts and control their narrativeUse media and storytelling to 10X brand visibility and impactLearn from guest hosts and media experts who have scaled through podcasting  This isn’t just a podcast anymore.   It’s narrative infrastructure.   👕 Coming Soon New 2026 apparel drop: Our Stories Over hiStories   Because history is often told by those who won and far too often leaves out the real boots-on-the-ground stories.   We’re reclaiming the narrative.   🌅 Reflection Questions What story of yours needs to be told before someone tells it for you?What are you shedding as we close the Year of the Snake?What bold movement are you stepping into during the Year of the Fire Horse?  🎙️ EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS Host: Taryell Simmons Podcast: RISE Urban Nation Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation Media 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    10 min

  8. FEB 17

    (Bonus Episode) Live from Encanto: Shawn McClondon on Equity, Sister Cities & Building Sustainable Community Power

    About This Episode Recorded live at the Encanto Experience, this bonus episode captures a powerful conversation on equity, economic empowerment, and community-driven transformation. Host Taryell Simmons and co-host Zeke Corley of Same Business Different Day Podcast sit down with Shawn McClondon, founder of the Sister Cities Project, the nonprofit organization supporting the Encanto Experience. Shawn shares how he pioneered formal partnerships between affluent and underserved communities, fostering cultural understanding and sustainable economic development. Through the Sister Cities Project ecosystem, he harmonizes workforce development, community connection, and business growth initiatives designed to uplift underserved communities of color. He also discusses: The strategic vision behind (Eco)Hub, (Eco)Exchange, and (Eco)AgencyLeading over 40 social justice, DEI, and racial equity discussionsBuilding cross-sector partnerships throughout San Diego County and nationallyWhy equity must move from dialogue to structural transformationThis episode also celebrates the Encanto Experience as a culturally rooted professional development space where community, creativity, and commerce intersect. Special thanks to Brooke Collins, the powerhouse organizer behind the Encanto Experience, and to Marathon Barbershop on Imperial Avenue for hosting this live recording in a space filled with art, culture, and legacy. If you’re watching this episode on YouTube, take a moment to appreciate the artwork behind us. If you’re listening, we’ve included links below so you can experience Encanto next year.   Learn More Sister Cities Project: HERE Encanto Experience: HERE Marathon Barbershop – Imperial Avenue   Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Co-Host: Zeke Corley (Same Business Different Day Podcast) Guest: Shawn McClondon Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation Media   Special Acknowledgment: Brooke Collins – Encanto Experience Organizer Marathon Barbershop – Venue Host 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture. If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links   Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

    16 min
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About

RISE Urban Nation is more than a podcast—it’s a cultural media platform dedicated to amplifying Black and Pan-African voices across the diaspora. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, the show brings together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success in real time. At its core, RISE Urban Nation exists to unite our untold stories, uplift voices that have too often been overlooked or erased, and ignite ideas and communities into action. Through powerful storytelling and real conversations, we are not just sharing stories—we are reclaiming narrative power and preserving Black history as it’s being made. Born from a mission to close the visibility gap in mainstream media, this platform creates space for those building, leading, and creating impact—often without the recognition they deserve. Each episode offers both inspiration and insight, blending lived experience with practical strategies to help listeners amplify their voice, grow their influence, and turn their story into opportunity. From San Diego to cities across the globe, RISE Urban Nation connects the diaspora through stories that remind us: representation is not just about being seen—it’s about being valued, respected, and heard. If you’re ready to turn your voice into impact, your story into visibility, and your purpose into action—this is your platform. Unite. Uplift. Ignite.

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